Career Returner Fellowship
The LMB is proud to launch a three-year fully funded fellowship for scientists who have had a career break of 12 months or more.
At the LMB, we understand that stepping away from research – even briefly – can affect career progression. That is why we have created a dedicated postdoctoral fellowship to support researchers who have taken a career break of 12 months or more, for any reason, for example parental leave, health reasons, caregiving, a career change or other personal circumstances.
The LMB is committed to broadening the diversity of its scientists and this fellowship offers a supportive route back into high-quality postdoctoral training, helping to rebuild career momentum and reconnect with scientific ambitions.
About the LMB Career Returner Fellowship
This Fellowship bridges the gap for talented researchers who might otherwise find it difficult to re-enter research and encourages the retention of skilled individuals in the research ecosystem.
- One Fellowship awarded annually.
- Open to candidates with a career break of a minimum of 12 months for any reason.
- Three-year duration.
- Flexible working options.
How it works
Candidates are asked to identify three LMB research groups that they would like to join and are encouraged to speak to the relevant Group Leaders to learn more about their research and to see whether there is scientific alignment. An interview process will follow. See the full application process below.
Eligibility criteria
This scheme is open to those who:
- Are not currently working in a scientific research role.
- Have had a break from scientific research for at least 12 months.
- Have a PhD or postdoc experience in a relevant scientific area.
Benefits
- Competitive postdoc salary for the duration of the Fellowship.
- Generous allowance for training, conference attendance and development (up to £5k over the three years).
- Research consumables included.
- Career Returner Fellows also have access to all of the LMB’s Employee Benefits.
Download the Additional Information document for more details.
How to Apply
| Applications open | 17 April 2026 |
| Application deadline | 17 May 2026 |
| Interviews | July 2026 |
| Fellowship starts | October to December 2026 |
1. Express your interest (optional)
If candidates have questions about anything to do with the Fellowship, they are invited to contact the Fellowship Team to request a 30-minute call.
2. Contact Group Leaders
Candidates are encouraged to contact Group Leaders they are interested in working with to learn more about their research and ensure a strong alignment with the LMB’s scientific programme.
Please get in touch if you would like help contacting the Group Leaders.
3. Complete application
Eligible candidates can apply via the ‘Apply Now’ link (available once applications open).
You will need to upload a:
- Completed application form (download available once applications open)
- Covering letter
- Your CV
On the application form you should indicate up to three research areas that you are interested in and/or up to three Group Leaders who you would be interested in working with.
The deadline for applying online is Sunday 17 May 2026
4. Shortlisting stage
After an initial eligibility check, applications will be sent to the relevant Group Leaders for shortlisting on to the panel review stage.
A panel of LMB scientists will then assess all the applications that Group Leaders wish to progress and select the best candidates for interview using the essential and desirable criteria in the job description.
5. Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during July 2026.
Candidates will be asked to present their research to date, outlining their scientific achievements and challenges, key areas of discovery and areas of future interest. This will be followed by an assessment of scientific competency, curiosity, motivation and passion via a question and answer session. There will also be a 1:1 meeting with relevant Group Leaders.
6. Start date
For successful candidates the start date will be flexible, but ideally between early October and late December 2026 is preferred.